The “Prince of Song” died in Southern Florida at 71 after a long battle with pancreatic cancer, according to published reports.
José José may be Mexico’s “Prince of Song,” but for fans around the world his mastery of the romantic pop ballad are bar none. Following the news of his death, tributes lit up social media, broadcasts and music platforms across the U.S., Mexico and beyond, from Colombia to Puerto Rico to Japan.
“Respect forever,” Puerto Rican rapper Daddy Yankee posted on his Twitter account. “Rest in peace.”
Respeto por siempre. Descansa en paz en José José
— Daddy Yankee (@daddy_yankee) September 28, 2019
The iconic Mexican singer, who died Saturday (Sept. 28), trended mightily through newscasts, radio stations and social media platforms everywhere as admirers in Mexico and other places filled the streets to sing his compositions.
The revered group Banda El Recodo are expected to pay a tribute to José José tonight as part of the 200 Years of Mexican Music Tour with Mariachi Vargas De Tecalitlán at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles. The show chronicles Mexican music through a timeline. For the L.A. show, a tweaked set list was created on Saturday to honor the late singer, according to a spokesperson with the band.
“Today we say goodbye to the #PríncipeDeLaCanción, but we will always remember him with the great musical legacy he left us,” read Recodo’s official Instagram post with the words ”How sad it is to say goodbye,” along with an image of the singer. “We extend our condolences to his family from the entire Banda el Recodo.”
José José’s peers around the globe continued to pay tribute throughout the weekend.
Guatemalan singer/songwriter Ricardo Arjona:
“The last time I saw him, José was in the audience in Miami, at the American Airlines concert. I took the guitar and sing a couple of his songs. The best performer I’ve met and a noble man. Hugs to his family and his followers. You will recover the miracle of your voice wherever you are.”
Spanish singer/songwriter Natalia Jiménez:
“Deeply regretting the death of the grand José José who enlightened us in life with his voice and his wonderful and unforgettable songs that will endure in the history of music and in our hearts. Rest in peace.”
Lamentando profundamente la muerte de un grande, José José nos iluminó en vida con su voz y sus maravillosas e inolvidables canciones que perdurarán en la historia de la música y en nuestros corazones. Descansa en Paz. @JoseJoseOficial
— Natalia Jiménez (@NataliaJimenez) September 28, 2019
Mexican entertainer Carlos Rivera:
“The most prodigious voice in our country is gone. Loved and admired by all who were fortunate to meet him. So much to learn and so much that leaves us with his legacy of interpretations. How sad it is to say goodbye … Rest in Peace Maestro.”
Se nos ha ido la voz más prodigiosa de nuestro país. Amado y admirado por todos los que tuvimos la fortuna de conocerle. Tanto que aprenderle y tanto que nos deja con su legado de interpretaciones. Que triste es decirle adiós… Descanse en Paz Maestro. #JoséJosé pic.twitter.com/bVBUkMeybA
— Carlos Rivera (@_CarlosRivera) September 28, 2019
Mexican singer Marco Antonio Solis:
“Waking up with the unfortunate news of the departure of our beloved prince of song @JoseJoseOficial. God receive him in his lap and rest in peace.”
Despertando con la lamentable noticia de la partida de nuestro querido príncipe de la canción @JoseJoseOficial Dios lo reciba en su regazo y descanse en paz.
— Marco Antonio Solís (@MarcoASolis) September 28, 2019
Peruvian singer/songwriter Gian Marco:
“I was always your fan, I always had you in the highest place because your voice and the way you interpreted was unique. I was lucky to be your friend, to talk and give me advice about this career. I will never forget that day that we met on a radio station in Mexico and I was on a promotion … you asked me:
- Mi … how are you doing with the promo?
– From here to there teacher, tired but happy (I replied).
– Son … how is the promo going?
He looked me in the eyes and smiling wisely, he said:
-Son … the album is round and for it to make sound one has to spin it.
Since that day I have not stopped paying attention. Years later I would fulfill the dream of my life: singing with him. He invited me to be part of his duets album Duetos Vol. 1, a song titled #YQué.
Every time I listen to him, like today, I can only thank life for having been able to share with him. #JoséJosé, teacher … thank you for so much, for that giant heart, the echo of your voice remains engraved in the soul of thousands of people. Goodbye #PrincipeDeLaCanción. Until forever teacher!!”
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